Chapter 115: Chapter 115: Jiraiya's Amazement—The Uchiha Clan is About to Produce a Remarkable Figure
Chapter 115: Chapter 115: Jiraiya's Amazement—The Uchiha Clan is About to Produce a Remarkable Figure
Chapter 115: Chapter 115: Jiraiya's Amazement—The Uchiha Clan is About to Produce a Remarkable Figure
Though Uchiha Akira managed to teach Naruto the Rasengan without even knowing how to perform it himself, Jiraiya found himself questioning his once-unshakable confidence in his teaching abilities. However, as the events unfolded, Jiraiya realized he had misunderstood the Uchiha.
Initially, Jiraiya had assumed that bringing a seven-year-old Naruto to the battlefield was akin to sending him to die, perhaps even as a way to eliminate him. But now, seeing Kakashi on the team reassured Jiraiya that Naruto wasn't just cannon fodder. After all, Kakashi would never allow that.
As Jiraiya observed, he realized that not only had Akira taught Naruto the Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu, but he had also taught him the Rasengan. Coupled with Naruto's incredible talent and vast chakra reserves, it became clear to Jiraiya that Akira was nurturing Naruto as a prodigy, preparing him for greatness even at the young age of seven.
For the first time, Jiraiya looked at Akira and realized that not all Uchiha were detestable. Akira was already hailed as the greatest genius in the ninja world, with many claiming that given ten more years, he could reach the heights of Uchiha Madara. Yet, despite knowing Naruto's potential, Akira still chose to invest in him. Akira didn't fear that Naruto might one day surpass him.
This level of magnanimity showed that Akira wasn't thinking solely of his clan or his own interests—he was genuinely considering what was best for the village.
"By the way, I heard from Naruto that you were attacked by Orochimaru?" Jiraiya asked after a moment of silence, abandoning his initial plan to take Naruto away immediately.
"That's right, and not just by Orochimaru. We also encountered Sasori of the Red Sand, an S- rank rogue ninja from the Sand Village," Kakashi replied. "But the most shocking part was discovering that the missing Third Kazekage had been killed by Sasori and turned into a human puppet. The puppet even retained the Kazekage's Magnet Release abilities."
Jiraiya was stunned. "Orochimaru, Sasori, and a human puppet of the Third Kazekage-such a lineup, and you still managed to defeat them?" He looked at Kakashi and the others in amazement, realizing just how much they had grown in power during the years they hadn't seen each other.
"It wasn't entirely us. The main reason we prevailed was that Akira revealed the power of a Mangekyō Sharingan. Orochimaru seemed to recognize the Mangekyō's terrifying ability and fled in fear," Kakashi explained.
"Mangekyō Sharingan... I see," Jiraiya nodded, understanding the situation. He was well aware of the unique and often terrifying abilities each Mangekyō possessed.
"The advance forces of the Land of Wind have already been defeated by you," Jiraiya mused. "And the Mist Village isn't in any position to threaten the Land of Fire. Next, it's the Land of Earth and the Land of Lightning?"
Understanding the purpose of Akira's team, Jiraiya asked what their next move was.
"What? Train with him?" Naruto's expression was one of pure distaste, clearly unimpressed with Jiraiya. "You've already taught me the Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu and the Rasengan. I think training with you is enough!"
"Naruto, I forgot to mention-Jiraiya is not only one of the Legendary Sannin but also the teacher of the Fourth Hokage," Akira added, trying to change Naruto's mind.
"Huh? He... he's..." Naruto's eyes widened in shock as he glanced between Jiraiya and Akira. He found it hard to believe that this untrustworthy-looking white-haired old man had been his father's mentor.
Naruto turned to Kakashi and the others, seeking confirmation, and they all nodded, indicating that it was true.
This revelation left Naruto feeling as if his entire worldview had been turned upside down.
Feeling immensely satisfied as he watched Naruto's shocked expression, Jiraiya felt as if he had just taken a refreshing gulp of ice-cold cola on a scorching summer day. It was immensely gratifying to see Naruto, who had so deeply misunderstood him, finally realize the truth.
"And another thing..." Akira continued after a pause, turning to Naruto. "You said you wanted to compete with me for the position of Hokage, right? If you keep following my training, you'll always be in my shadow. How will you ever surpass me?"
"So, if you want to surpass me and become the next Hokage, your best chance is to train with him," Akira finished, pointing to Jiraiya.
Jiraiya couldn't help but glance at Akira in surprise. Initially, he had mixed feelings about the Uchiha clan-he wasn't particularly fond of them but didn't outright hate them either. Then, learning how dedicated Akira was to training Naruto, his opinion began to shift. He realized that not all Uchiha were to be disliked.
But now, after listening to Akira's conversation with Naruto, Jiraiya found himself genuinely liking Akira. Despite Naruto's obvious dislike for him, Akira had spoken up on his behalf.
Yes, this child was truly likable.
Most importantly, for two seven-year-olds to set a rivalry for the Hokage position, and for Akira to have the magnanimity to suggest that Naruto train with Jiraiya—it was clear that the Uchiha clan was about to produce an extraordinary individual.
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